For a Strong and Democratic United Nations

This policy paper attempts to reflect views shared broadly by the developing countries regarding institutional reform of the United Nations, and to provide elements for a conceptual framework on the subject. It is intended to widen the on-going debate, which so far has been largely dominated by North-centred views.

In order to assist the South to define and articulate its own platform on the subject, this policy paper recalls the principles and vision that first inspired the founding of the United Nations and provides an up-to-date policy rationale. Concrete proposals are put forward that are intended to strengthen the UN and to give it renewed vigour, while preserving its basic inspiration and character, so that it is better able to help the world community meet the many serious and complex global challenges it faces.

Part One sets out the argument for developing countries including the reform of the United Nations in its multilateral platform, outlines and analyses some of the main issues, and makes broad suggestions in major policy areas for improving and strengthening the United Nations System.

Part Two comprises six chapters, each of which takes up important themes outlined earlier. These chapters analyse the themes in more detail, drawing out the key issues at stake and the implications for the nature and direction of reform of the United Nations.

Part Three provides an overview of the main issues discussed in earlier chapters and brings together in summary form the main conclusions regarding policies that the South should pro-mote to achieve a stronger and more democratic United Nations.